Performance Analysis of Galvanized Structures for an Earth-Air Heat Exchanger System

Abstract

This study presents an investigation on Earth-Air Heat Exchangers (EAHEs), a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for improving thermal conditions in environments. The EAHE consists of one or more ducts buried at a certain depth, and a ventilation system, which allows air to flow through the ducts and exchange heat with the soil. The soil, being warmer than the ambient air during cold periods and cooler during hot periods, facilitates this heat exchange. The research aims to evaluate and compare the potential of the soil and EAHE in a system where a galvanized material, shaped like an ellipse, is attached around the duct. Given the high thermal conductivity of galvanization, this material helps enhance the thermal potential of the soil. Two tests were conducted by altering the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the ellipse while keeping the area constant. The results obtained with the galvanized structure were compared with those obtained without the use of this material. Moreover, the authors compared two different geometries of the structures: a circular one, which had been previously tested, and an ellipsoidal one. Additionally, the thermal potentials of the soil and the system improved as the horizontal length of the ellipse decreased.